About Tupelo

Tupelo, Mississippi is a birthplace. Of what you ask? Many of you know the obvious answer – the birthplace of Elvis Presley. But, how many of you knew about the other American originals that have spawned from the spirit of Tupelo? Did you know that the 444-mile historic Natchez Trace Parkway is headquartered in Tupelo, or that you can find a herd of buffalo and many other exotic animals across the street from Tupelo Regional Airport? Did it ever occur to you that a local Tupelo man amassed a collection of automobiles so extensive and expensive that it became the official automobile museum of Mississippi? Tupelo’s history is the story of American originals and original Americans – a story that crosses boundaries and bonds people together. It’s a story of music and melody, of hard work and ingenuity, and, of course, it’s a story of originality.

Tupelo is a dynamic southern city easily accessible by Interstate 22 and Highway 45, and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway that criss-cross the city by land. Located in the center of the Mississippi Hills region, Tupelo can serve as the hub of a tour exposing you to music, world-class literary sites, Civil War history and American architecture. Tupelo offers excellent lodging facilities offering over 1,900 quality hotel rooms. There is also an abundance of dining opportunities from upscale to blue-plate with over 150 restaurants in Tupelo, Mississippi. You can sit and relax at one of our local restaurants or choose from a well-known franchise restaurant to curb your appetite. From the Mall at Barnes Crossing, the region’s largest mall, to the specialty shops downtown and in Midtown and throughout the city, we can match anyone’s taste and desire for shopping. Other shopping options like the Tupelo Flea Market, Tupelo Furniture Market and antique shopping make for a well-rounded shopping excursion.

Visitors soon discover how deep Tupelo roots run when they explore our historic attractions. The Elvis Presley Birthplace is more than a two-room shack – it’s an Elvis experience. At the Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo, visitors have the opportunity to ride the paths where the buffalo roam and experience the many exotic animals housed on the grounds. Want more things to do in Tupelo, Mississippi? Take a trip through time at the Tupelo Automobile Museum and visit the historic Natchez Trace Parkway headquarters. A complete listing of attractions can be found under the Explore tab.

Several festivals and special events throughout the year and weekly entertainment provides lots of things to do in Tupelo. Tupelo’s Elvis Festival celebrates our culture as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Other festivals embrace the art of independent filmmaking, fine art, classic cars and one even celebrates Dudie Burgers. Although it may not sound as appetizing as it really is, it’s a piece of American culture and definitely worth a try!

Whatever brings you to Tupelo – Elvis’ birthplace, one of Tupelo’s restaurants or one of our many things to do – you’ll find an upbeat, happy city where people believe they can accomplish anything and they do! Imagine what you can do here!

Location

Tupelo is located in the northeast corner of Mississippi, which is commonly known as the Hills region. Tupelo is intersected by Highways 45, Interstate 22, and the Natchez Trace Parkway. Located just 90 miles from Memphis, TN, and 135 miles from Birmingham, AL, Tupelo serves as a regional hub for the area whose population swells by 300% each day as people travel here to work and play.

Air Service

Air service to Nashville is offered daily by the Tupelo Regional Airport through Contour Airlines.

Population

According to the most recent census, Tupelo’s population is 35,490.

Climate

Tupelo’s climate is mild with average summer highs of 92 degrees and lows of 68 degrees.
Average winter temperatures range from highs of 54 degrees to lows of 32 degrees.

Fun Facts

Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

The name Tupelo is of Native American origin. The word Tuh Pu Lah is said to mean to scream and make a loud noise.

Tupelo has been named an All-America City by the National Civic League in 1967, 1989, 1999, 2011, and 2015.

The North Mississippi Medical Center is the largest non-metropolitan medical complex in America and Tupelo’s largest employer.

Tupelo was the first city in the nation to provide its citizens with electric power through the Tennessee Valley Authority.

The Tupelo area is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies.

Tupelo is home to the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, an All American Road and a national scenic byway.